Police-HQ gunman leaves a mystery

— Police are investigating what prompted a 64-yearold military veteran to enter a suburban Detroit police station and open fire on officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire and his own death, authorities said Monday.

Officers fatally shot Harold Joseph Collins on Sunday afternoon in the lobby of the police headquarters in Southfield, and a 50-yearold sergeant was hurt in the exchange of fire.

A preliminary investigation indicates that Collins had medical problems, but it is not clear whether that had any bearing on his actions, Southf ield Police Chief Eric Hawkins told reporters. He did not specifythe nature of Collins’ health problems.

Collins walked into the building about 2:20 p.m. Sunday and used a .380-caliber handgun to confront anofficer seated behind bulletresistant glass.

“What’s so unusual about this situation is that ... there were no words whatsoever,” Hawkins said. “The suspect approached the front-desk officer and simply stared at the officer. I was told that the suspect appeared to be staring into the distance and not a word was said.”

That officer sought cover and called for assistance. Other officers arrived from other parts of the building and ordered Collins to drop the weapon. Collins refused, and gunfire was exchanged.

Collins later died at an area hospital.

Hawkins did not reveal the name of the sergeant, who was wounded in the shoulder, but said he was in stable condition Monday at a hospital. He said at least five officers were involved in the shooting, but he would not say how many fired their weapons.

Front Section, Pages 2 on 11/13/2012

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